A tough day at the office for Chelsea.A tough day at the office for Chelsea.
A tough day at the office for Chelsea. | Getty Images
Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes help Newcastle United to a big three points in a blow to Chelsea Champions League ambitions.
Chelsea faced a disaster blow in their chase for Champions League football next season as Newcastle United picked up a 2-0 win at St James’ Park. The Magpies leapt up to third place with the victory, which leaves Enzo Maresca’s side in fifth, level on points with Aston Villa in sixth.
It was a car crash of a first half for the visitors, with the hosts scoring after just two minutes when Sandro Tonali benefitted from some sloppy defensive work by Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. The former looked well out of his depth at full-back, struggling against the pace of Anthony Gordon.
It went from bad to worse after 35 minutes when striker Nicolas Jackson was shown a red card for a silly elbow on Sven Botman, VAR intervening to ensure a yellow was upgraded. The introduction of Reece James helped Chelsea get a foot in the match after the break but, despite promising moments, it was Newcastle United who secured all three points with a late Bruno Guimaraes wonder strike helping their cause. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated.
Chelsea player ratings
GK - Robert Sanchez, 4
Did look a liability at times today. Erratic with his playing out from the back, leaving Maresca screaming at his shot-stopper to ‘calm down’ at times.
LB - Marc Cucurella, 8
A really strong second half showing in particular from the Spaniard. Often the Blues’ biggest attacking threat and was constantly up and down that flank, becoming the pantomime villain for Newcastle United supporters.
CB - Levi Colwill, 7
Never quite looked comfortable against Alexander Isak, but not many do. Made some important tackles in a confident outing. Risked losing his cool at the end when clashing with Emil Krafth.
CB - Trevoh Chalobah, 5
A little clumsy at times with some full-blooded challenges but willing to square up against Alexander Isak.
RB - Moises Caicedo, 6
A tale of two halves for Chelsea’s Player of the Season. Was an accident waiting to happen in the first half at full back but moved into central midfield after the break and was purring there. Caicedo is exceptional in that role - perhaps he ought to be left there.
CM - Romeo Lavia, 5
Some neat work in the centre of the park but still clearly getting up to speed. Lacks a certain dynamism on the ball at times and could do with making things happen a little quicker for Chelsea.
CM - Enzo Fernandez, 6
Grew in influence as the game went on and looked more and more capable of finding the equaliser. Could have been sharper earlier in the match, taking a while to affect play today.
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LW - Noni Madueke, 4
Subbed at half time for Reece James as Maresca looked to gain some control having been reduced to 10. Offered very little threat before that.
CAM - Cole Palmer, 5
Lacking that wow factor he’s capable of. You can’t fault the England international’s effort, with the player in constant communication with Maresca over what his side needed to be doing.
RW - Pedro Neto, 4
Moments of endeavour but very little threat. Newcastle United were comfortable dealing with him today.
ST - Nicolas Jackson, 2
Was kept painfully quiet by the Newcastle United defence in the first half with his only real moment of influence being a silly elbow on Sven Botman to be sent off. An embarrassing Sunday.
SUBS - Reece James (7), Malo Gusto (6), Jadon Sancho (5).
In other news, Premier League issue 'serious foul play' statement over Newcastle United v Chelsea red card.
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